New reliefs in force to bring empty buildings back into use

Date published: 02/04/2008

Changes to update empty property reliefs come into force yesterday acting as an incentive to encourage owners to bring empty properties back into productive use, increasing access to existing premises for business, helping to reduce rents and increase the competitiveness of the UK.

Until yesterday, empty commercial property, such as office and retail properties, received 100 per cent relief from paying business rates for the first three months, and were only liable to a 50 per cent rate thereafter; whilst empty industrial properties, such as warehouses and factories, received a permanent exemption from rates.

Empty property relief last year cost £1.3bn and the question being asked was is it right that empty properties are subsidised by taxes elsewhere?

The decision was taken that offering tax reliefs for buildings to sit empty could no longer be justified, when UK rents are among highest in the world. Manchester for example has higher office occupation costs than Manhattan and Milan, and seven UK cities are in the World's top 20 list for the most expensive office occupation costs.

From yesterday empty commercial property will be liable for the full business rate after an initial rate-free period of three months, or six months for factories and warehouses. Charities, community amateur sports clubs and companies in administration will be granted a complete exemption from rates on their empty properties.

It is expected that businesses that rent premises will particularly benefit through an increase in the availability of properties, thereby reducing rents and increasing the UK's competitiveness.

Local Government Minister John Healey said: "No-one wants to live or work in a ghost town of empty offices and closed-down shops. These changes will help bring empty buildings back into use, reduce rents for small independent shops and create thriving high streets and town centres."

Billing authorities already have wide ranging and tough powers in place to enforce the changes including measures to take action against deliberate dereliction to try and avoid liability such as removing roofs from buildings.

Work is underway with the Local Government Association, the Valuation Office Agency and the Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation to monitor the impact of the reforms and assess whether new anti-avoidance regulations should be introduced in future if necessary.

The reform of empty property relief is part of a wider package designed to increase UK competitiveness and promote more efficient land and property markets. Measures such as the new 100 per cent capital allowance for renovating or converting empty business property in Assisted Areas will encourage owners to bring empty properties back into productive use and discourage deliberate dereliction.